Students at Canyon del Oro High School are going above and beyond! Amphitheatre Public School District is immensely proud of the 22 dedicated students who worked their way through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at CDO and successfully earned this prestigious diploma. We chatted with Canyon del Oro High School's IB Diploma Coordinator, Mr. Stephen Rothkopf, to find out more about this program and just exactly what its foundations were and what was required of students.
Mr. Rothkopf worked at international schools in Sweden, China, Thailand, Japan and Norway before joining Canyon del Oro and overseeing their IB Diploma Programme. Mr. Rothkopf explained that a common thread with all these IB schools, including CDO, is that the IB Diploma programme was open to all students. Mr. Rothkopf further explained some mistakenly believe the IB Diploma programme is just for gifted or super high achieving students. The IB focuses on best practices that all students can benefit from. This includes making connections between subjects and with the wider world. By developing a framework steeped in international mindedness students engage in a well-rounded education that prepares them for college and careers. The Diploma programme has been in the United States since 1971 in which CDO has been offering it since 2012, and the only school in Amphi District that offers this programme. It is internationally validated with many components graded by IB examiners and concludes with formal assessments such as exams or portfolios. Universities offer college credit and scholarships in many instances, but more importantly they universally acknowledges that Diploma Programme students develop skills to succeed in college. For example, the U of A and NAU offer a $5,000 annual tuition scholarship for completing the full IB Diploma with minimum passing scores. One parent from last year described CDO´s IB Diploma programme as “the best kept secret in public education” (Stacey Fox, IB CDO Parent Organization President).
The programme formally begins in Grades 11 & 12. Students can take a wide range of classes when joining CDO in preparation. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves by taking courses such as pre-AP courses and study of one World Language in preparation. Students can either engage in the full Diploma Programme in which six subjects are taken along with core components that include service and leadership development along with a critical thinking class, known as the Theory of Knowledge. Full DP students also produce an extended piece of writing which meets expectations of beginning college level research. Students can also take individual courses and mix and match with other CDO classes to fit their interests. Regardless if students engage in the full Diploma or individual courses, they need take school seriously, develop good time management and be active in building their learning.
Canyon del Oro senior graduates of the IB Diploma Programme, May 2018.
The best way to learn about CDO´s Diploma programme and its benefits is from past graduates. In May 2018, twenty-two students graduated as IB Diploma students. Former Canyon Del Oro student and IB graduate describes his experience in this Video and explains, “why IB”.
For more information, contact Stephen Rothkopf, IB Diploma Coordinator at: srothkopf@amphi.com, (520) 696-5592 or visit: Canyon del Oro IB home page.
ABOUT AMPHITHEATER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Amphitheater schools and facilities are places where students thrive academically; places parents want their children to go; places where highly skilled people work; and places community members respect because of the high student achievement, caring environment, and focus on individual needs. Amphi students excel academically because students are taught by highly qualified staff, including the Air Force Association Arizona STEM Teacher of the Year, 39 nationally board certified teachers, Finalist for Outstanding High School Faculty Award, Arizona Earth Science Teacher of the Year, and more. Amphi students compete at the highest levels both athletically and academically, such as the Academic Decathlon 2018 State Champions (5th consecutive year), AZ Central Unified Athlete of the Year, 55 Southern Arizona Science and Engineering Fair winners, and state winners of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Amphi also offers tremendous programs for all students, meeting them where they currently are and helping them achieve their highest possible success.
We invite you to explore all Amphi has to offer, from Pre-School through 12th Grade by visiting the Amphitheater Public Schools home page: www.amphi.com. As well as on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram @amphischools.
Media Contact
Company Name: Amphitheater Public Schools
Contact Person: Media Relations
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Phone: (520) 696-5000
Address:701 W. Wetmore Road
City: Tucson
State: Arizona
Country: United States
Website: https://www.amphi.com/
